Tag Archives: Krista Bonaguidi

Doesn’t it seem like Opening Day was just yesterday? Time flies when you’re having fun!

On Friday, September 27, Twin Palms/San Fernando played Starmeadow/Monteverde for the chance to play on Sunday in the Spreckels Cup Finals. Starmeadow/Monteverde beat Twin Palms/San Fernando 12 to 9 and confirmed their match against Hanalei Bay the following Sunday.

The 2013 San Diego Polo Summer Season came to an end on Sunday, September 29, 2013 with the USPA Spreckels Cup Finals. In addition to the USPA Spreckels Finals, over 1,000 attendees enjoyed equestrian entertainment, an opportunity drawing to benefit Prince Harry’s charity, Sentebale, and After Party presented by Belly Up Tavern in Solana Beach.

We started the day with the Sundance Hills Drill Team, a group of six dedicated riders who put hours into meeting, practicing and perfecting their patterns and routines.

The Santa Fe Hunt/West Hills Hounds is a Masters of Fox Hounds Association, MFHA, recognized Hunt located in Temecula, in southern California. They are a diverse group of riders, brought together by love of horses, open spaces, country values and riding with a fine pack of foxhounds as they work a scent. They came out with about a dozen riders and hounds.

Danielle Pizorni, San Diego opera singer, blew us away with her rendition of the National Anthem.

Joe Allis of Porsche of San Diego threw in the ceremonial first ball. In the history of Spreckels Cup finals, there has never been a match so exciting and evenly matched as Sunday’s. With 8 chukkers and at least 5 broken mallets, the competition was one of the best we’ve ever seen here in San Diego.

Sunday afternoon was the perfect San Diego summer day with 75 degree weather and slight ocean breeze. Hanalei Bay and Starmeadow/Monteverde took the field, as Owner of Porsche of San Diego, Joe Allis threw in the ceremonial first ball.

Graham Bray started the first chukker by scoring the first point on the afternoon for Starmeadow/Monteverde. David Samaniego also took a great shot and scored one for Hanalei in the first chukker. Teammate, Mariano Fassetta also scored two beautiful shots. Martin Ravina scored 2 (one penalty) and Bray scored another for Starmeadow/Monteverde, bringing the score to 4 to 3.

Things heated up for Starmeadow/Monteverde in the second chukker, as Martin Ravina scored an additional 3 goals for his team. Krista Bonaguidi, first lady and owner of Hanalei Bay took a penalty shot for the team and scored!

In the third chukker, goals went back and forth, 3 for Hanalei Bay, 2 for Starmeadow/Monteverde, bringing the score to 9 to 7, Starmeadow/Monteverde in the lead.

As if the tension wasn’t enough, during the first minute of fourth chukker, Martin Ravina was given a red flag and pulled out of the game for the remainder of the chukker. Colton Bancroft scored one, but opposing team, Hanalei Bay used this time to catch up and Mariano Fassetta scored two for his team.

Hanalei Bay should have been able to dominate the scoreboard, but with fouls called, and time running out in the chukker, Starmeadow was able to hold on to the narrow margin, going into the 5th chukker with a full squad of players. The time on the bench gave Ravina that extra push needed to make the game competitive going into the remaining chukkers.

In the 5th chukker, Mariano Fassetta scored one for Hanalei and Martin Ravina scored one for Starmeadow/Monteverde. The finals of the USPA Spreckels Cup couldn’t have been more exciting and all the guests were on the edge of their seats, some standing in the VIP tent, tense with anticipation.

In the 6th chukker, Martin Ravina scored another for his team, bringing them ahead by one point. With 30 seconds left in the match, Mariano Fassetta put one through, tying the game and taking it into over time.

The 7th chukker was a tough one. Hanalei Bay’s Ashton Wolf had to call a time out due to lack of feeling in his hand and severe cramping. At this point in the game, the horses were exhausted, the players just as tired. At the beginning of the match, the players came on to the field, ready to fight for the win and prepared to expend every ounce of energy. That energy was running out. The play resumed and each team was able to defend their goals. With less than a minute left in the 7th chukker, Colton Bancroft made a beautiful break away and, unfortunately, overshot a cut shot that would have been the most glorious win for Starmeadow/Monteverde. The 7th chukker ended, the match still tied.

In the beginning of the 8th chukker, Colton made a second break away and all eyes were on him. The ball went over the line and out of play. Shortly after, eyes fell on his teammate, Graham Bray, who was on the ground. Not many saw it happen, but Bray’s horse clipped the back of Ashton Wolf‘s horse and fell, exhausted, throwing Graham Bray to the ground, knocking the wind out of him. Graham is one of the toughest players in San Diego, and when he’s on the ground for more than a few seconds, it’s serious. Bray stayed on the ground for a few minutes, barely moving his legs. After consultation from the EMT and fellow players, Graham Bray slowly rose, walked around, and mounted a fresh horse. The play went back and forth for a minute and the ball was left in a cluster right near the Starmeadow/Monteverde goal mouth. Mariano Fassetta’s horse started dancing around and they should have gotten out of there immediately. A foul was called on Hanalei Bay’s David Samaniego and Martin Ravina took an undefended penalty shot, winning the USPA Spreckels Cup Finals for Starmeadow/Monteverde. Both teams played an unbelievable game and made Spreckels Cup history as one of the most competitive games of all.

Porsche of San Diego had their gorgeous automobiles on display, including the all new 2014 Porsche Cayman.

The first match was a consolation game played between Twin Palms/San Fernando and Adeptus. Colleen Wilson, owner of Adeptus had a spectacular afternoon, scoring 5 goals for her team. Roberto Estudillo of Twin Palms/San Fernando also had a fantastic game, scoring 3 for his team. Twin Palms/San Fernando was slow to start, but caught up by half-time, making the score 5 to 5. Adeptus shined in the 5th chukker, bringing their team up 3 more point and winning the match 8 to 7.

The feature match and finals of the Pacific Coast Polo Tournament consisted of Hanalei Bay (Krista Bonaguidi -1, Ashton Wolf 3, Mariano Fassetta 6, David Samaniego 0) and Starmeadow/Monteverde (Ellen Greenhill -1, Colton Bancroft 0, Martin Ravina 5, Graham Bray 4). Hanalei Bay kicked off things in the first chukker with 3 goals but letting Starmeadow/Monteverde sneak up in the 3rd chukker. Krista Bonaguidi scored 3 in the feature match, making her one of the high scorers on her team. The game was all tied up in the 4th chukker, 7 to 7, but Martin Ravina scored 4 goals in the final chukkers to lead his team to victory. Starmeadow/Monteverde beat Hanaeli Bay 10 to 8.

It was another beautiful day in Rancho Santa Fe on June 17, Father’s Day. We flew in a dozen antique biplanes, which took off after the feature match. We also had an assortment of antique cars, from a 1931 Model A Deluxe Roadster, to a handful of Woodies. The Del Mar Cigar Club provided imported cigars, just for Dad.

We kicked off the day with a match at 1pm. Monteverde/H2 took the lead with 4 goals over Starmeadow/Southwind. In the third chukker, Starmeadow/Southwind put 4 points on the board to tie up the match. Points went back and forth in the next few chukkers, and by the 6th chukker, Monteverde/H2 won by 1 point.

The Finals of the Father’s Day Cup was a tight one. Chris Maloney of Twin Palms/La Pasion scored the two of the first 3 goals against Hanalei Bay/Adeptus. But Hanalei Bay/Adeptus made a come back in the third chukker, taking the game into their lead 6 to 4. Krista Bonaguidi and Colleen Wilson scored the two last goals for Hanalei/Adeptus, securing the win over Twin Palms/La Pasion.

The Spreckels Cup

John D. Spreckels, San Francisco financier, shipping magnate, and scion of the fabled Spreckels family, first discovered polo in the late 1800’s. Shortly thereafter, he visited Coronado Island and was so completely captivated by the area, known at the time as the playground for the wealthy, that he immediately made plans to play polo on the island’s beautiful green lawns. Spreckels built a polo facility on the island that quickly became known throughout the United States for the quality of its fields and climate, as well as the number and proficiency of its players and horses.

In the ensuing years, the Coronado Polo Club became known as the “Meadowbrook of the West”, after the famous club on Long Island New York. Coronado was the site of many early prestigious polo tournaments, and its fields saw the first playing of the Pacific Coast Open, still considered one of California’s premier polo events. Among those tournaments was the match that Spreckels inaugurated in 1909. Calling it the Polo Challenge, he enlisted the aid of designers Brock and Feagus of Los Angeles, and commissioned a dramatic silver trophy almost two feet high. Engraved on the trophy was the inscription, “Polo Challenge Trophy, presented by John D. Spreckels.” The trophy was designed to be engraved with the names of the winners each year and was intended to be held by the winning team for one year.

The trophy was played for each year, with the exception of the years of World War I, and its engraved names read like a “Who’s Who” of California polo. The last team to win the trophy before it was retired in 1921, was captained by Carleton F. Burke. Burke, a dedicated horseman, was responsible for reintroducing thoroughbred racing in California in 1932, after a 23-year blackout. He later became one of the founders of the California Horse Racing Board. The Spreckels Cup remained among his most prized treasures.

In an effort to document the history of polo in San Diego and in Southern California, Julie Mulvihill-Mayer launched a search for polo memorabilia in the archives of the Coronado Library. Joseph E. Jessop, longtime San Diego resident and founder of Jessop’s Jewelers, had been employed at the Coronado Polo Club as a young boy and became a lifelong polo fan. He recommended that the search continue at the Coronado Historical Society. Following that lead brought Mulvihill-Mayer upon a veritable treasure trove of old polo trophies including the Spreckels Cup. The trophies were brought back to San Diego, and Joseph E. Jessop and Jessops Jewelers President, Ken Laughlin, cooperated in masterminding their restoration.

When the season officially opened on June 10, 1988, the newly refurbished Spreckels Cup occupied a place of honor in the club’s trophy case. Restored to its original appearance, and flanked by its companion pieces, the impressive silver cup cast an undeniable glow upon the matches and players. The trophy’s presence provided a tangible link across the years and forged a bond between the players of today, John D. Spreckels, and the band of polo players that had such an influence on our sport and upon the San Diego Polo Club.

The California Thoroughbred Breeders Association generously loans the trophy to us annually. We’d like to thank the CTBA’s Board for their role in securing this prestigious trophy for the continued use in this historical event.

We are playing with a fantastic group of people in September. If you’ve never followed the season of polo in San Diego, September is the best month to see action-packed games. We welcome new players and new competition.

The first match on Sunday brought Hanalei Bay versus Southwind Adeptus. Ron Bonaguidi, our President and Patron of Hanalei Bay played well, scoring 1 for the team in the first chukker. Mariano Fassetta, now called the “Argentine Assasin” by our announcer Steve Lewandowski, scored 3, and Alvaro Tadeo scored 2 for Hanalei Bay.

During intermission, the San Diego Polo Club observed 9/11 by presenting the Rainbow Riders Drill Team of Poway. The 8 women mounted horses decorated in sparkling red, white and blue colors and paraded the field with gorgeous American flags. In addition to their performance, we asked all current armed forces, veterans, and emergency responders to join us on the field.

Congressman Martin Garrick gave a wonderful speech in remembrance of those effected by the tragedy of 9/11. Our announcer, Steve Lewandowski brought the audience to tears as he congratulated each one of our heroes for dedicating their lives to helping others. It was a very special day to remember the tragedy of 10 years ago and to count our blessings.

On Friday, Trinity met in our Clubhouse to watch a previous practice game against Starmeadow in order to prep for their Sunday match. They talked strategy and how to handle one of our best and most aggressive players on the field, Graham Bray.

The feature match started out slow, with Jesse Bray, Colton Bancroft (subbing for his mom, Joy Bancroft), and Graham Bray each scoring 1 for Starmeadow. Trinity scored 2 (Jared Sheldon and Mariano Gutierrez). Jared Sheldon spiced things up in the second chukker by getting bumped off his horse. He got right back on and continued playing.

Fans celebrated the half time Divot Stomp with tastes of Rose Champagne sponsored by Korbel California Champagne. Every Sunday we hide a decorated champagne cork on the field and the person who finds the cork gets a bottle of Champagne!

Starmeadow and Trinity took the half time to form a game plan, and both teams came back stronger than the first half. Jesse Bray scored 3 for Starmeadow and Colton Bancroft (only 14 years old!) scored one. Meanwhile, Rick Paicius, Jared Sheldon and Mariano Gutierrez each scored one for Trinity, bringing the game up to 7 to 6, Starmeadow in the lead.

In the 5th chukker, things heated up again and Sheldon had another fall. Again, a little bruised, but not seriously hurt, Sheldon continued playing. Jesse Bray scored a few more, totaling 7 goals that afternoon. Mariano Gutierrez put 2 through in the 6th chukker, but it wasn’t enough for the win. Graham Bray did the honor of scoring 2 more in the 6th chukker, just to be sure Starmeadow walked away victoriously.

The teams were practically snarling at each other after the national anthem was sung and before the first ball throw in. Things started off hot in the first chukker. Mariano scored one for Hanalei Bay and Gaston scored two penalty hits for Tritech/Princeps. In the chukkers to follow, more fouls resulted in more penalty shots. By half time, the score was close, 6 to 5 Tritech/Princeps in the lead.

By the 6th chukker, the score was 10 to 9, Hanalei Bay slowly taking the lead. With 3 minutes remaining, Alvaro Tadeo checked once, checked twice and couldn’t stop his horse. His horse ran into and knocked patrona, Alisha Wray off her horse. Alisha fell, got the wind knocked out of her and hit her head. She was out for a couple of minutes and was attended to by the onsite EMTs. She was then transported to Scripps Hospital for observation. She is home now, resting with her family and is in good spirits.

After Alisha was taken out of the game, 14 year old Colton Bancroft ran back to his barn to grab his whites and a horse and entered the game in Alisha’s place. With a minute and 30 seconds left in the chukker, Colton had a break away and scored a goal to tie up the match. The crowd went absolutely wild.

The match went into over time and both teams were fighting hard for that first goal to win the USPA Rossmore Cup Finals. Mariano Fassetta was bumped by Ashton Wolf, hit the horse’s head with his diaphragm, it knocked the wind out of him and he and his horse went down. The horse took off running to the barns, Diego Cossio picked up his friend on his motorcycle and took him back to the tie rails. The horse passed the barns and looped back to the tie rails.

Mariano mounted a new horse and got back on the field. Alvaro Tadeo took the penalty 3 shot for Mariano and scored the winning goal for Hanalei Bay!

Raita, owned by Chris Maloney and played by Gaston Von Wernich in the 3rd chukker, won Best Playing Pony of the USPA Rossmore Cup.